The RoboClaw motor controllers from Ion Motion Control (formerly Orion Robotics) can control a pair of brushed DC motors using serial, RC, or analog inputs. Integrated dual quadrature decoders make it easy to create a closed-loop speed control system, or analog feedback can be used for position control. This version can supply a continuous 5 A per channel (10 A peak).

Overview

The RoboClaw from Ion Motion Control (formerly Orion Robotics) is an efficient, versatile, dual-channel synchronous regenerative motor controller. It can supply two brushed DC motors with 5 A, 15 A, 30 A, or 60 A continuous (depending on the model) at voltages from 6 V to 34 V, and it allows for peak currents up to twice the maximum continuous rating.

The RoboClaw features dual quadrature decoding capability. A built-in PID routine can be used for closed-loop speed control, maintaining motor speeds even if the load varies, or the encoder counts and speeds can be read directly from the RoboClaw for use with an external control system. Analog feedback is also supported for closed-loop position control.

Several interface modes are supported by the RoboClaw: it can be controlled via TTL serial for use with an embedded system or a PC with a serial adapter, RC hobby servo pulses for use as an RC-controlled electronic speed control (ESC), or analog voltages for use with potentiometers or analog joysticks. The RoboClaw 2x15A, 2x30A, and 2x60A additionally support direct computer connections with a USB serial interface (virtual COM port).

Key Features

Simple bidirectional control of two brushed DC motors

6 V to 34 V operating supply range

5 A to 60 A maximum continuous current output, depending on controller model

Automatic current limiting reduces duty cycle when motor current is between 1× and 2× the controller’s rated current

Three communication or control options:

Logic-level (TTL) serial interface for direct connection to microcontrollers or other embedded controllers, or connection to a PC with a serial port (external RS-232 level converter required) or USB-to-serial adapter

Hobby radio control (RC) pulse width interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller

Sample Code

Ion Motion Control has written an Arduino library for the RoboClaw that makes it easy to interface these motor controllers with an Arduino. The library comes with several example sketches that demonstrate different methods of controlling the RoboClaw.

Note: Ion Motion Control was formerly Orion Robotics, which was previously Basic Micro. Ion Motion Control uses the following product names and number for the RoboClaw controllers: